Predicting brittle cap-seal failure of petroleum traps: an application of 2D and 3D distinct element method

摘要

Previous research shows the importance of understanding the relationship between fault geometry and current applied tectonic stresses in the prediction of critically stressed faults and their propensity for fluid flow via generated fracture networks along and/or around the fault plane. Data collected from the Penola Trough, onshore Otway Basin, South Australia shows that a more complex 3D failure mechanism may be active, whereby the cap-seal may fracture preferentially to fault failure.